Imagine a traditional wedding proposal. What type of jewelry is involved? Diamonds, right? It’s been that way for centuries, and many people love diamonds. After all, their sparkle is irresistible, and they look absolutely beautiful. More than that, though, they reflect prosperity as no other stone can. From beautiful diamond rings to stunning bracelets and necklaces, diamonds make a statement all their own, but few people know how they’re mined and processed to eventually arrive at your local jeweler. Ready to learn more? Keep reading!
Understanding Diamond Mining
Diamonds are formed deep inside the earth’s core and require intense pressure and high temperatures to crystallize. The stone was initially discovered more than 2000 years ago in India, and since then, there’s been a worldwide quest to discover more. Today, we know that there is a finite number of diamonds on the planet and it takes about a billion years to develop diamonds naturally. Mining those diamonds is hard work, too!
Close to 50% of the diamonds are mined in Central and South Africa. To mine diamonds, the topsoil is removed. From there, layers of sand and rock are removed, and the ore that remains is typically blasted to help break it up. Once the ore has been broken, it’s crushed, and the diamond extraction process can actually begin.
Today’s diamond industry works to create ethically produced diamonds that are sustainably sourced and produced, too. Wondering how that can work in such an intense process?
One of the biggest changes has been the Kimberley Process to produce certified conflict-free diamonds. Conflict-free diamonds are mined diamonds but they are obtained by carefully regulating the process to help protect workers. In addition, conflict-free diamonds are not linked to any terror organization. Conflict-free diamonds may be purchased from countries like Canada which advocates rights for workers and ensures protection of the environment. While the process isn’t perfect, it is a step in the right direction. More than that, though, smaller mining companies are getting involved to help ensure the diamond mining industry continues into the future but offers workers more in the process.
The industry is also welcoming technological changes to make it more ecologically friendly. Many mining operations work to replace the topsoil after a mine has closed, and some are creating wildlife preserves around their mining operations to help prevent serious ecological damage to the species that live in the area. Some are also deploying new water reclamation technologies to clean the water once it’s been used in the diamond mining process. Interested in learning more? Download our webinar regarding the future of diamonds.
Sustainability Defined
Today’s diamond industry is working to create a level of sustainability around diamond mining that will keep the industry working well into the future and safe for all of those involved. By working with a 100% natural diamond supplier like K.Rosengart you can be assured of ethically sourced melee diamonds to be the most important consideration. Request more information today with our diamond experts or request our diamond pricing list online.
